CANTERBURY — Leicestershire’s rising star Rehan Ahmed delivered yet another masterclass with the bat, scoring his fifth County Championship century of the season as his side closed on a commanding 386-9 against Kent on the opening day at Canterbury.
The 19-year-old all-rounder, already a household name after becoming England’s youngest-ever men’s Test cricketer, showcased his growing maturity with a composed 127 off 182 balls. His innings, laced with 14 boundaries and three sixes, anchored Leicestershire’s innings after early wobbles and left Kent’s bowlers searching for answers.
Ahmed’s Flawless Knock
Walking in at 78-3 after Kent’s seamers had exploited early movement, Ahmed steadied the ship alongside captain Lewis Hill (56). The pair added 132 for the fourth wicket, with Ahmed playing with a blend of patience and aggression. "He’s got this incredible ability to switch gears seamlessly," said Leicestershire coach Alfonso Thomas. "One moment he’s defending, the next he’s lofting you over extra cover."
Ahmed’s century, his third in the last four matches, came off just 154 deliveries. His shot selection was near-flawless, particularly against spin, as he dismantled Kent’s Matt Parkinson with a series of sweeps and reverse-sweeps. "He’s playing like a seasoned pro, not a teenager," remarked BBC Radio Leicester’s Richard Rae.
Kent’s Bowling Struggles
Kent’s attack, missing the injured Wes Agar, toiled for much of the day. Only Nathan Gilchrist (3-72) and Joey Evison (2-59) found consistent success, with the rest leaking runs at over four an over. Key concerns:
- Parkinson’s leg-spin went for 98 runs in 20 wicketless overs
- No sustained pressure built after early breakthroughs
- Fielding lapses, including two dropped catches off Ahmed
Kent captain Jack Leaning admitted: "We let it slip after lunch. Rehan played brilliantly, but we didn’t help ourselves with missed chances. The pitch flattened out, but we needed to be more disciplined."
Late-Order Flourish
Even after Ahmed’s dismissal – caught behind off Gilchrist – Leicestershire’s lower order piled on the misery. Ben Cox (45*) and Tom Scriven (33) added 78 for the eighth wicket, capitalizing on a tiring attack. The visitors now eye a 400-plus total, which could prove decisive on a pitch expected to deteriorate.
Stat Highlights
- Ahmed’s season tally: 812 runs @ 67.66, 5 centuries
- Leicestershire’s highest team total this season
- Kent have conceded 350+ in first innings in 4 of last 5 games
Former England batter Mark Ramprakash noted on commentary: "Rehan’s development this year has been phenomenal. He’s not just a leg-spinner who bats – he’s a genuine all-rounder now."
What’s Next?
With Leicestershire firmly on top, Day 2 promises more dominance unless Kent strike early. The hosts will hope for quick wickets to restrict the total below 400, but with Cox still at the crease and last man Chris Wright capable with the bat, the Foxes may push towards 450.
Ahmed, meanwhile, will look to add to his 18 wickets this season when Leicestershire bowl. His dual threat makes him one of the Championship’s most valuable players – a fact not lost on England’s selectors ahead of this summer’s Test series against West Indies.
As the sun set over Canterbury, Kent’s fans were left to rue what might have been. "We had them three down cheaply," sighed veteran supporter Derek Underwood. "But class tells, and that lad Ahmed is pure class."